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“Viggo!”Evander spluttered, half laughing, half outraged at the undignified position.“Put me down this instant!”

“I don’t think so, your Grace,” Viggo rumbled, his large hand firmly planted on Evander’s backside as he exited the study and headed for the staircase.“I believe I’m about to demonstrate exactly how committed I am to our partnership.”

Evander caught a glimpse of Hargrove’s amused face as they passed through the foyer.The maid he’d been talking to gasped, let out a squeal, and blushed.

Evander groaned.

“Is—is his Lordship going to be alright, Mr.Hargrove?!”the maid whispered as Viggo took the stairs two at a time while carrying his burden with effortless strength.

“I’m sure he will be more than alright,” the manservant drawled.

“I’m never going to live this down,” Evander grumbled against Viggo’s back.

The Brute chuckled.“I’m sure you’ll survive.”He squeezed the mage’s backside, causing him to gasp.

By the time they reached Evander’s bedchamber, the mage’s mortified indignation had transformed into molten desire.Viggo kicked the door shut behind them and deposited Evander on the bed with surprising gentleness, his dark eyes smouldering as he loosened his cravat.

“Now,” he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down Evander’s spine and made his cock twitch in anticipation, “I believe we have some unfinished business to attend to.”

Evander lifted his chin in a challenging gesture as he began unfastening the buttons of his Viggo’s waistcoat.“Indeed we do,” he murmured.“Though I hope you don’t intend to carry me like a sack of potatoes again.”

Viggo’s lips quirked in a smile that was pure sin as he shrugged out of his jacket.“I can think of far less dignified positions I’d like to see you in, your Grace.”

Heat rushed to Evander’s cheeks as he recalled all the salacious postures he’d adopted and been made to adopt during their love making, including riding the Brute like a wild horse and being bent over his desk and masterfully claimed from behind.

“Is that so?”he asked breathlessly.

“Indeed.”Viggo reached into his pocket and withdrew an object before tossing it onto the bed beside Evander.“How about starting with this delightful gem?”

Evander’s eyes widened when he recognised the enchanted Victorian toy he’d hidden in his bedside drawer.He looked up at Viggo, his mouth suddenly dry.

“I decided to see exactly what it was you were hiding from me yesterday,” Viggo said, his voice rough with desire as he began unbuttoning his shirt.“Hargrove was kind enough to explain what this item does.I’d like to see you use it.On yourself.While I watch.”

Evander swallowed hard, the illicit suggestion bringing forth a barrage of torrid images that made all his nerve endings tingle and his hole contract on a rush of pure need.

“I can’t believe you’ve had that in your pocket all evening!”

His pulse raced as Viggo’s shirt fell open, revealing the powerful expanse of his hard chest and the dark ink decorating his skin.

“Have you used this toy since we began sleeping together?”

The question jolted Evander out of his lustful daze.

His hesitation was all the answer Viggo needed.

The Brute swore, crossed the floor, and carried one of the chairs by the window to the end of the bed.He settled into it, propped his elbows on his thighs, and steepled his hands under his chin.

“Now, your Grace.Why don’t you strip and show me how you pleasure yourself with that toy?”Viggo commanded roughly.He arched an arrogant eyebrow.

Evander’s heart slammed a maddening tempo against his ribs.He hesitated before reaching for the lapels of his jacket, his hands trembling.

Chapter23

Viggo’s bloodroared in his ears as Evander began undressing with maddening slowness.

The mage’s fingers shook slightly as he unfastened the buttons of his waistcoat, desire painting pink flags across his cheekbones.The silk rustled as he shrugged it off.The waistcoat was followed by his cravat and shirt.Moonlight filtered through the tall windows of the bedroom, bathing his skin in silver.

Viggo swallowed a curse at the sight of the love bites he’d left on Evander’s body the last time they’d shared a bed.The marks were just beginning to fade.